When the Prime Minister announced on Monday that New Zealand, with the exception of Auckland, would remain at Level 2, representatives from Act Three Productions and the Regent on Broadway met to decide the future of the show.
The PM's decision meant that only a maximum of 100 people could attend a show or event. However, instead of admitting defeat, we brainstormed a solution that would allow several thousand Manawatu people to experience the hit Broadway musical over the next 10 days.
The blueprint was to divide the Regent into four zones with their own exits and entrances, including their own toilet facilities.
The plan, conceived at Monday's meeting and led by Production Manager, Allan Nagy, was then conveyed to local MP, Iain Lees-Galloway, who in turn sent it to the Covid-19 All of Government Response Group.
Last night they got the response they were hoping for. Alma Shaw, MP Liaison, for the Response Group, gave approval and said they were content with the plans and safety measures.
It means that, from today, Thursday, August 27, Sister Act will once again come alive on the Regent stage. There'll be eight performances in all with the season now extending to Saturday, September 5.
"This has been a remarkable team effort from Act Three and the Regent and demonstrates what can be achieved in unbelievable times,"
David Walsh says. "We consider this blueprint could be a lead for other venues up and down the country."
Act Three and the Regent have assembled a partition down the centre of the Regent, both upstairs and downstairs, dividing the theatre into four zones of 100 people.
"There'll be excellent viewing with no sightlines impaired,"
David Walsh says. "In taking into account social distancing, all seating will be general admission. Seats will be allocated by the Regent team on a first-come, first-served basis, with the theatre opening one hour prior to the start time printed on the tickets."
Sister Act is an outstanding, family show and the team is overjoyed that the season can now progress.
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